Latest news with #AlKhatimObservatory
Sharjah 24
6 days ago
- Science
- Sharjah 24
Rare cosmic explosion observed over UAE skies
Nova designated AT 2025nlr discovered in Lupus Constellation The nova, officially designated AT 2025nlr, was first detected on the evening of June 12 and confirmed on June 14. It appeared as a bright point of light in the Lupus constellation, known in Arabic as Al Sab ("The Seven"). Brightness allows viewing with small telescopes Currently shining at magnitude 8, the nova is just beyond naked-eye visibility but can be observed with small telescopes in dark-sky areas. Mohammed Shawkat Odeh, director of Al Khatim Observatory, noted its unusual brightness makes it a significant event for both amateur and professional astronomers. Al Khatim Observatory provides critical observations Following an urgent request from an international astronomical network, Al Khatim Observatory conducted photometric observations, recording the nova's brightness at 7.7 in infrared, 8.2 in green, and 8.3 in blue. These findings have been sent to global research centers monitoring the event. What is a Nova? Unlike supernovae, novae are not star deaths but surface explosions in binary star systems. The eruption occurs when material from one star accumulates on its white dwarf companion, triggering a thermonuclear blast visible from Earth. Southern location gives Al Khatim strategic importance Because the nova lies deep in the southern celestial hemisphere, it is not visible from most observatories in Europe and North America, making the role of Al Khatim Observatory vital for continued observation. Discovery by ASAS-SN Global Sky Survey The nova was initially discovered by the All Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae (ASAS-SN), a global project led by Ohio State University. ASAS-SN operates a network of 20 robotic telescopes across both hemispheres, scanning the entire sky daily to detect transient cosmic events such as novae, supernovae, and gamma-ray bursts.
Economy ME
11-06-2025
- Science
- Economy ME
UAE contributes to discovering new exoplanets, marks major milestone in astronomical research
The UAE's International Astronomical Center announced today that the Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory, located in the Abu Dhabi desert, has participated in observing and confirming the existence of exoplanets, marking a scientific milestone that reflects the UAE's growing role in astronomical research. An exoplanet is any planet located beyond the solar system. The achievement reinforces the UAE's active participation in leading international scientific projects aimed at deepening the understanding of the universe and exploring the potential for life beyond Earth. UAE collaborates with NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite Commenting on the UAE's latest achievement, Eng. Khalfan Al Nuaimi, president of the International Astronomical Center, said that this contribution formed part of a collaboration with NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). The UAE-based observatory employs techniques to analyze minute fluctuations in stellar brightness to detect planets passing in front of their host stars, a widely adopted method for discovering exoplanets. Meanwhile, Eng. Mohammad Shawkat Odeh, director of the center, added that the Al Khatim Observatory officially joined the TESS Follow-up Observing Program (TFOP) in June 2024, following the successful completion of a rigorous training program led by international experts, followed by a successful practical test observing a candidate planet. The accomplishment of discovering exoplanets aligns with the UAE's strategic directives to strengthen its scientific leadership and contribute to global efforts to unlock the secrets of the cosmos, supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure and an ambitious vision for the future. Source: WAM Read: UAE's MBRSC, Firefly Aerospace partner to deploy Rashid 2 Rover to far side of moon UAE expands space exploration efforts The discovery of exoplanets is yet another milestone in the UAE's space exploration success story. In April this year, the UAE marked the anniversary of the first human spaceflight, continuing its significant contributions to space exploration led by its qualified national workforce and ambitious youth. This year's anniversary highlighted the UAE's emergence as a leading space exploration success story in the Arab and regional spheres. Its accomplishments include groundbreaking projects and the development of a skilled generation of astronauts, administrators and technical personnel. The UAE achieved a historic milestone in the first quarter of this year by launching six satellites: Thuraya 4, MBZ-SAT, Al Ain Sat-1, HCT-SAT 1, the second phase of Foresight Constellation, and Etihad-SAT. Recent milestones also included February's agreement between Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) and Thales Alenia Space. Under the agreement, Thales Alenia Space will be a strategic partner in the development of the Pressure Equalisation Unit of the Gateway Lunar Space Station. The UAE's participation in this project signifies a major step in its strategy to establish a prominent global presence in space science and technology. The UAE joined the Gateway project in January 2024 alongside the U.S., Japan, Canada, and the European Union, and announced its intent to send the first Emirati and Arab astronaut to lunar orbit.
Sharjah 24
11-06-2025
- Science
- Sharjah 24
Emirati observatory contributes to discovering new exoplanets
The achievement reinforces the UAE's active participation in leading international scientific projects aimed at deepening the understanding of the universe and exploring the potential for life beyond Earth. Eng. Khalfan Al Nuaimi, President of the International Astronomical Centre, stated that this contribution formed part of a collaboration with NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). The Emirati observatory employs techniques to analyse minute fluctuations in stellar brightness in order to detect planets passing in front of their host stars — a widely adopted method for discovering exoplanets. Eng. Mohammad Shawkat Odeh, Director of the Centre, added that the Al Khatim Observatory officially joined the TESS Follow-up Observing Programme (TFOP) in June 2024, following the successful completion of a rigorous training programme led by international experts, followed by a successful practical test observing a candidate planet. This accomplishment aligns with the UAE's strategic directives to strengthen its scientific leadership and contribute to global efforts to unlock the secrets of the cosmos, supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure and an ambitious vision for the future.
Khaleej Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Look: Dhul Hijjah Moon spotted in UAE from observatory in Abu Dhabi
As different countries from around the world announced spotting the Dhul Hijjah crescent to mark the start of Eid Al Adha, the UAE Astronomy Centre posted images of the Moon photographed in Abu Dhabi. The Astronomy Centre posted images of the Moon as photographed from the Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory in the UAE capital at 7.05pm. The Centre said that the first image was captured at 11am and the moon's angular distance from the sun was 5.5 degrees. The second image was captured at 3.15pm with the moon's angular distance from the sun being 6.5 degrees. The third image was captured after sunset at 7.05pm and the moon's angular distance from the sun was 7.6 degrees. The Centre did note that the images were results of a scientific report and clarified that the decision to officially declare the start of the month remains with authorities. The Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory consisted of Osama Ghanem, Anas Mohammed and Khalfan Al Naimi. The UAE's Presidential Court later announced the official sighting of the crescent Moon, marking the beginning of Dhul Hijjah. Following the crescent sighting, the first day of Dhul Hijjah will begin on Wednesday, May 28, and Eid Al Adha celebrations will start from Friday, July 6.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Science
- Khaleej Times
Watch: UAE astronomers spot asteroid in Abu Dhabi skies
UAE astronomors have successfully spotted an asteroid in Abu Dhabi skies on Sunday, May 17, Astronomy Centre said on X. The minor planet, called C44UN71, appears in a clip shared by the centre as a tiny dot in the sky among stars that show up as moving black lines. The astronomical breakthrough was achieved by Abu Dhabi's Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory at 11am UAE time. Before the UAE, the asteroid has been spotted by two observatories in the US state of Arizona. "Before being observed by the Al-Khatim Observatory, the inaccuracy in its coordinates was 0.4 degrees. After the observation, the Al-Khatim Observatory was able to reduce the inaccuracy to 0.0095 degrees," it added. Earlier this month, stunning images of solar flames, sunspots were captured and compiled in one clip by UAE astronomers from the skies of Abu Dhabi. The footage shows some solar prominences at the edges, small solar spicules all around the Sun's limb, a few dark solar filaments on the surface, and some sunspots.
